Health & Medical Advice and Information - UK Medical Health

A study by the University of Rochester Medical Center confirms the importance of vitamin D in prolonging and enhancing life:

“Many epidemiological studies have suggested the beneficial properties of vitamin D,” said Yi-Fen Lee, associate professor of urology at the Medical Center who led the research. “Our findings reflect what we see in those studies and demonstrate that vitamin D not only can be used as a therapy for prostate cancer, it can prevent prostate cancer from happening.”

We’re currently basking in some unfamiliar sunshine here in the UK, and already there is evidence of scorched skin parading the promenades of our seaside towns.

If you allow the sun to burn your skin you could be setting yourself up for problems with melanoma some time in the future. But it is very easy to get caught out when, only a few weeks ago, we were scraping snow from our cars.

SunSmart is the UK’s national skin cancer prevention campaign that is run by Cancer Research UK, commissioned by the UK Health Departments. The campaign was launched in 2003 to communicate the importance of sun protection, raise awareness of the dangers posed by sunbeds, provide resources and help schools to develop their own sun protection policies.

Stay Safe in the Sun
The SunSmart message is very simple. It says:

• Spend time in the shade between 11 and 3
• Make sure you never burn
• Aim to cover up with a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses
• Remember to take extra care with children
• Then use factor 15+ sunscreen or higher

Burn Risk
Your risk of burning in the sun is related to two primary factors:

1. The intensity of the suns UV rays and
2. Your skin type.

People in the UK have a diverse range of skin types from pale skin, that tends to redden in the sun (type I), through to dark brown skin (type VI).

If your skin tends to go pink or red after a time in the sun then you need to ensure that you are adequately protected. People most at risk are those with fair skin, red or fair hair, lots of moles or freckles, a family history of skin cancer and / or experience of sunburn as children.

Sun Protection
A good broad spectrum sunscreen, with an SPF of 15 or higher, will potentially provide around 90% protection. Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin around 15 to 30 minutes before going out into the sun and it is recommended that you re-apply frequently (at least every 2 hours), and be generous. Ideally cover up with clothing, at the very least a hat, t-shirt and sunglasses.

Here are a few good, effective sun protection lotions:
Dermalogica Solar Shield SPF15
Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Faceblock SPF25
Dermalogica Solar Defense SPF30
Dermalogica Waterblock Solar Spray SPF30
Dermalogica After Sun Repair

Recent years have seen a massive increase in the number of clinically obese children. The problem is so great that the government has had to step in with a groundbreaking strategy that supports the creation of a healthy society.

But what practical steps can any parent take to encourage sedentary youngsters to get more exercise? Here are a few suggestions partially derived from the Parents Centre forum:

1. Start by being honest about your own lifestyle, your habits, the food you eat and the exercise that you take;
2. Consider the example that you are setting for your children and look at aspects of your own lifestyle that can be improved;
3. Impose stricter boundaries around luxury foods (treats only) for both yourself and your children;
4. Get the children involved in team sports. If none are available consider starting something yourself;
5. Go cycling as a family each week;
6. Go swimming together each week;
7. Horse riding can be great if you can afford it;
8. Play badmington, tennis, cricket, football or whatever takes their fancy;
9. Enrol the children at a local activity centre as this will enable them to gain many experiences;
10. Invest in a garden trampoline. Irresistible to both children and adults alike;
11. Invest in a few skipping ropes, footballs, frisbies and other toys that can be taken to the park or played with in the garden;
12. Routinely turn off all televisions and radios and mobile phones and go for a walk;
13. Go camping together at weekends;
14. Don’t allow them to sit around playing computer games when the weather is good. Be firm and throw the children out of the house to play.

Crucially, be honest with yourself regarding the example that you are setting as a parent. If you routinely give in to temptation by eating unhealthy foods and don’t take any exercise then you can’t expect your children to do any different.